HORSEHEADS, N.Y. -- Seeing the community band together convinced volunteers there was hope for the Horseheads Animal Shelter to stay open.
"This has been absolutely the most heart-warming experience of my life," said Nancy Parks-Crowley of Save the Horseheads Animal Shelter. "This community has pulled together, recognizes that there is a possibility of this shelter closing, and we actually have gotten so many people asking us, 'what can I do? What can I do? How can I help?' "
And help they did. Residents, businesses and organizations have held all kinds of events to raise money after town supervisor Mike Edwards first recommended closing the shelter back in February. Just last week, the Chemung County Chamber of Commerce hosted a spaghetti dinner fundraiser that raised $13,000.
"I believe that all of the efforts we're putting in now will pay off later," said Parks-Crowley.
Now it's looking like the shelter won't have to close after all, and that's all thanks to the outpouring from the community.
Supporters say it would be a real loss if the shelter were to close, because of the facility's deep network in the area.
"We have connections with Cornell. BOCES comes in and helps with their dog training; they come in and work with our animals," added Parks-Crowley. "The opportunities that we afford this community, other than the obvious of adopting some of the most wonderful dogs and cats out, are something that couldn't be replaced, really."
Now officials are working closely with town and county representatives to figure out the best path forward for the shelter.